Flickering lights might seem like a minor annoyance, but they’re often your home’s way of signaling that something isn’t quite right.
Sometimes the fix is simple. At other times, a blinking or buzzing light could indicate deeper electrical issues that require a licensed professional. So, how do you distinguish between them?
Let’s break down the most common causes—and when it’s safe to DIY versus when it’s time to call in an expert.
What Causes Flickering Lights?
Flickering can result from several factors, ranging from simple to more complex electrical issues:
- Loose or aging light bulbs
- Faulty lighting fixtures
- Overloaded circuits
- Power surges due to storms or utility fluctuations
It’s important to observe when and where the flickering occurs. If only one light is affected, it may be an isolated issue. But if lights across multiple rooms flicker—especially when large appliances are in use—it could suggest an underlying problem with your home’s electrical system.
Loose Bulbs: A Simple Fix You Can Handle
In many cases, flickering lights are caused by a bulb that isn’t fully tightened or is nearing the end of its lifespan.
This is typically a straightforward fix. Please turn off the light, allow the bulb to cool, and gently tighten it. If the problem persists, replace the bulb with one that matches the fixture’s recommended wattage.
LED bulbs are a good long-term solution due to their efficiency and reliability. If a new bulb doesn’t resolve the issue, further inspection is warranted.
Faulty Fixtures: Inspect, Then Proceed Carefully
If the bulb is secure and functioning properly, the next step is to examine the fixture.
Internal wiring in light fixtures can loosen over time, particularly in older homes. Before attempting any inspection, turn off the power at the breaker. Check the fixture for visible damage or loose mounting hardware. In some cases, tightening the fixture is enough to stop the flickering.
When a light fixture appears damaged or the problem persists, it becomes necessary to contact professional services for flickering lights to address the complex challenges.
Overloaded Circuits: Watch for Patterns
If your lights flicker when high-powered appliances, such as a refrigerator or HVAC system, turn on, your electrical circuits may be nearing their maximum load capacity.
Try running large appliances at different times or plugging smaller devices into outlets on separate circuits. These adjustments can reduce strain on your system and eliminate minor flickering.
Persistent issues, however, may indicate that your electrical panel needs to be upgraded or that the circuits require professional evaluation.
Power Surges: Weather or Wiring?
Power surges caused by storms or grid activity often result in temporary flickering. These are typically harmless.
However, if you experience regular flickering without any apparent weather-related cause, your home may be experiencing internal surges. In such cases, it’s advisable to have a professional install a whole-home surge protector to safeguard your appliances and wiring.
Stay Proactive, Stay Safe
Being aware of flickering lights and understanding what they might indicate allows you to take action before problems escalate.
Basic preventive steps can resolve minor issues, but ongoing or widespread flickering should never be ignored. If in doubt, consulting a professional is always the safest course of action.
